A/S BOUCHER MEETING WITH CHIEF ELECTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ISLAMABAD 006117

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SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/05/2016
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM PK
SUBJECT: A/S BOUCHER MEETING WITH CHIEF ELECTION
COMMISSIONER


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Classified By: Derived from DSCG 05-01, b.


1. (C) Summary: In his first meeting with A/S Boucher, Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC) Qazi Mohammad Farooq stressed his
commitment to holding a free and fair election in 2007. A/S
Bouhcer pledged our continued support and stressed the
importance of the commission's independence as vital to
successful elections. Farooq expressed strong appreciation
for US Government assistance in this regard, welcoming
USAID's focus on voter roles, training, and ballot boxes.
Farooq promised that he would engage with political parties
to rebuild the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP)
credibility and resolve electoral issues. Farooq noted that
the greatest challenge to free and fair elections was a lack
of political will, noting that if this existed the ECP had
extensive powers. Farooq stressed that international
observation of the electoral process was absolutely essential
and that the ECP would unilaterally invite observers. End
Summary.

A Free, Fair, and Transparent Election


2. (C) A/S Boucher stressed to newly-appointed CEC Farooq
that the US Government would support free and fair elections
in 2007. The independence of the ECP was absolutely vital.
Farooq agreed that the ECP was critical to the free and fair
election that he was committed to organizing in 2007. Farooq
noted that a lack of political will on the part of his
predecessors was the principal obstacle to a free and fair
contest. While numerous players would try to interfere in
2007, the ECP would evolve mechanisms to make such
interference far more difficult and costly. With a clear
legal framework now in place, the ECP can keep most
violations at bay by utilizing its existing powers and
authorities. Farooq noted that the ECP was largely
independent with control over its finances, staffing
structure, and hiring processes. Farooq promised that he
would avoid the mistakes of his predecessors, including last
minute changes to laws, polling operations, and polling
places that had essentially served as a form of rigging.

Voter Roles


3. (C) When A/S Boucher inquired about the difficulties
ahead, Farooq stressed that his initial challenge would be
the creation of accurate electoral roles. These were "the
essence of free and fair elections." At least half of all
complaints emanated directly from the improperly prepared
voter roles currently in use. Computerization would increase
public access to these vital documents and ensure that future
updates can be more easily carried out. Asked about the
process to be used in preparing the new lists, Farooq stated
that he would scrupulously adhere to the procedures laid out
in the law, including door-to-door verification and a period
for public review and challenges. Farooq noted that while
the ECP would certainly use data in the National
Identification Card and census databases as a cross-check, an
independent survey conducted by ECP staff was the only way to
ensure accuracy and impartiality.

Engagement with Political Parties


4. (C) A/S Boucher underscored the importance of regular
engagement between the CEC and the heads of political
parties. This would enable the ECP to address their numerous
complaints about past elections and enable agreement on steps
that can prevent violations in future. The CEC agreed that
consultation was essential. He promised to deal with all
parties on an equal basis and to address their outstanding
concerns. He concurred that mutual agreement on processes
was important to build the credibility of the ECP and
welcomed USG assistance in creating an on-going forum.
Farooq cautioned, however, that at present the parties were
engaged in significant discussions with each other and would
not be prepared to engage him or the ECP for at least a few

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more weeks.

International Observation


5. (C) A/S Boucher queried Justice Farooq on his views about
international observation. Farooq responded that he
considered it an integral part of any free and fair election
process. He said that sampling efforts would need to be
expanded in the 2007 elections. Observation in all districts
of the country would be essential. The ECP would
unilaterally invite international observation of the process.
Farooq was unconcerned about any political fallout, noting
that Pakistan had a long history of observation and that the
decision rested solely with the ECP.

Administrative Challenges


6. (C) Farooq highlighted for A/S Boucher a number of other
administrative challenges for the 2007 polls. The CEC
praised USG assistance on transparent ballot boxes, noting
that this will help to minimize allegations of rigging.
Similarly, the CEC reiterated the need for training of both
ECP polling staff and voters. He pointed out that
strengthening the ECP's own academy was a useful starting
point. While UNDP has promised some assistance, additional
support was needed. (Note: UNDP Islamabad does not/not yet
have approved funding for this project. End Note.) Asked by
A/S Boucher about electoral conditions in the FATA and
earthquake zones, Farooq was relatively confident that any
challenges could be successfully addressed over the next
year. He was more concerned about parts of Balochistan,
where deteriorating security conditions might force the ECP
to delay polls.


7. (U) Assistant Secretary Boucher has cleared this message.
CROCKER